I just got the spark 920. With rougher tiers. 130 mm x34 fork 4 piston brakes.and a dropper post. They climb fantastic and can be completely lockd and then feeling like road bike on tarmac. On the decant I can just fly. The bike is heavier than my previous giant anthem xc. But the ne spark is faster especially on the way down. Get it is you can find one 😀
Seems like a great bike to many people and to be honest even Scott pricing seems reasonable once you start comparing to other brands. Hopefully reliability is there ) thank you for the review.
Nice bike and video. They've gotten way too technical plus expensive for this old man. I'm an Indian not the arrow kinda guy. 68 yrs in bikes . Have fun , pedal, often . I do! Every day still at 73.
Very quick to criticise pricing... Yes bikes are more expensive nowadays, but not much when accounted for inflation, certainly not so much as compared to houses 30 yrs ago and I'd argue house design and technology has not progressed in the same way bikes have.....
Hard to hear what Tom is saying However, I did get the part of the chassis not being stiff. I don’t agree on that. I have a F-Si and an Epic, the Spark feels more effective in pedaling and more stable in cornering. Last part might be due to their width of the wheels. The new spark not only feels very fun, it’s also damn fast even that it is heavy.
Interesting about the lateral stiffness. Have they given too much to its down country ability at the expense of racing performance? Not noted many other reviews mentioning the stiffness - is there a noticable difference between the different carbon layups used in the top model & the mid range bikes?
Maybe I'm heavier than others ;-) I'd not say it's a huge issue, though I do think it's notable. I think both the RC and non-RC could benefit in a small way from a stiffer chassis (though, of course, there are knock ons from that, and you can go too stiff). I tested the Spark 900 Tuned too recently (a DC build) and it was probably more noticeable on that bike. Overall, I don't think it's a huge problem. Personally, I still a really taught, stiff XC bike that's super aggressive in feel, and I tend to stand up on pedals and mash, rather than employ a smoother pedalling style which suits the Spark. I can see how/why/where Scott are going with this bike though. It was tested against a range of XC bikes - KTM Scarp Master and Intense Sniper XC (these three went into an MBUK grouptest where the Spark came out on top with 4 stars), but I was also testing a BMC Fourstroke and Giant Anthem at the same time, while also regularly riding a Spesh Epic (XC build) and Revel Ranger (DC build). The Spark definitely sits at the more comfortable, more composed end of the scale here - still very fast in its own right, but a different feel to the likes of the Epic and KTM especially, which perhaps have a slightly more traditional XC feel when it comes to chassis stiffness and pedalling reactivity (KTM via kinematics, Spesh via the Brain). As I said at the end of the review, it's going to suit riders coming from a trail/enduro background, who're used to a really smooth feeling bike, rather than one that takes loads of brain power to keep under control. Whether that's better or worse very much comes down to personal preference and potentially courses where it's being raced. Give me the Spark at Nove Mesto for sure, but maybe I'd pick another on a smoother, less technical course with short, punchy climbs. Apologies for a bit of a brain-fart there, but hopefully it gives a little context!
@@TomMarvin1 Have you taken tire play into account ? 20psi may be acceptable on tires that huge but they still will wobble hard being so wide and tall. How did you come to the conclusion that flex is in the frame - by comparing exact wheels , tires and pressure on different bike ?
@@TomMarvin1 thanks. I have only ever owned hard tails and a Trek STP softtail. Do wonder for most of the riding here in SE England if the Spark is over kill compared to some of the other XC bikes you mentioned and the likes of the Canyon Lux & Trek Supercaliber. Having been racing mainly TT's on the road it's that ballance of either going for a bike like the Spark which might get you out of trouble or something a bit more direct that probably suits my riding style and usual riding terrain locally & for the marathon type events that appeal to me.
@@katarzynaempicka799 I'm guessing linkage is the main factor here. Distance between upper and lower pivot points is about half of current XC bikes (like Spec, KTM, Merida, Cdale etc). So the rear triangle is "squashed" which naturally makes rear end less stiff. It can be overcome but obvious trade off is weight. I'm guessing it is less noticeable for lighter riders.
@@DunnoWatsgoinon Sometimes, PF bottom brackets get a creak in them. I also like as much parts commonality as possible between my bikes. That way, if anything weird happens, I have plenty of spares to pull. I do hear that there are a few good solutions to dealing with creaks if they happen, so it's not a deal-breaker. Just something good to keep in mind.
An ideal XC bike for the new trend towards more technical courses perhaps? My LBS has one of these in their shop window. Looks great. Shame this year's stock are mostly out of stock.
I don't think that people need this "hidden" design. Those proprietary things usually make the cyclist's life more difficult. Cannondale had/has Lefty, Two-Camber Fox rear shock (I forgot its name), Specialized had/has awkward tapered forks/rear shock strokes. Hidden cables are everywhere, even on road bikes. Entry components on 1000 or even on 2000 €/$ bikes. Cycling industry really needs a salvation.
But it keeps mud out when racing and doesn’t get the rear suspension dirty or chipped also if you really do on want to do maintenance it has an opening to get to it
As long as there's a solid contingent of whiners that spend more time fussing over the esthetics of cable routing rather than riding, marketers will respond in-kind to make the bikes look "prettier". Scott has taken so much heat over the years with cables, that it doesn't surprise me that they acquiesced to hide things. While it's tricky to work on the shock, that's a ton of real estate with carbon around the bottom bracket making this version feel stiffer and faster. The tradeoffs are understandable. But I think the headset routing on the other hand, is there to appease the anti-cable complainers. I wish they left some cable ports so you weren't so locked into the bar setup. But the new trail version feels amazing and fast. I have a previous version RC, but haven't tried this latest RC yet...
Question for anyone familiar with Rockshox - I've ridden this bike about 40 miles - first time using rockhsox (coming from a Fox factory setup). These 120mm RockShox SID Select RL3 forks seem way harsher than my 100mm Fox forks, also the travel is "sticky" for lack of a better word. PSI and rebound is set correctly for my weight. Anyone have some insight or ideas to help with this? Is there a "break-in" period before these actually start to feel good cause these feel awful compared to my fox setup...
I couldn't agree more. I have a 2020 RC with a Rockshox SID Ultimate, and no matter how the fork is adjusted, it's harsh and sticky compared to a full Fox Factory platform front and rear. But I live with replacing creaky Fox CSU's every season on my other bikes. A test ride of this new Spark frame in the 910 trail version is amazing with Fox front and rear.
@@LJ-yt2io I can't imagine dropping more money for a fork/shock replacement :/ I guess I could sell the rockshox and eat the difference in cost... pretty wild that they are this bad though. I've read so many good things about what sram is doing with rockshox, super disappointing. I'm in talks with sram right now about the issue with the stickiness, almost feels like just bad friction against the seals or something.
I've had nothing but problems with my twin lock. I still can't get it to work. The stock cable snapped in 2 months time and had to be replaced. Still trouble locking out and its very frustrating!!
I also have problems with dampers. The cable housing for the rear shock broke in the bend at the entrance to the steering bearing. Difficult to set up with a little harder damping. It only took about 80 hours of use. The crank bearing also broke and needed to be replaced after about 50 hours, driven only in dry weather.
Unfortunately Tom has ruined it for me. It was the most brutal and honest review yet. It's that ability to disengage and not get caught up in marketing that has cleared the fireworks and smoke machine and exposed the real issues that any review should expose or talk about. Thanks for the honesty.
I’d still choose the previous rc900 over this. that design was way way sexier than this design that looks like a trail bike already. the hidden rear shock and the fat downtube makes it look like an e-bike. it would probably be good to make rear shock adjustments on the fly but with this you have to step down from the bike and finger the underside of the bike like a woman’s clit.
Read many reviews of new spark 2022, those not paid by Scott are critical and not so optimistic. Acces to rear dumper is pain in the ass. After all I bougt 2021 version.
@@KotakMeister , this bike was on my short list, not anymore. I have previous model, besides bearing/bushing replacement in regular maintenance never had any issue or flex.
It’s essentially a normal rear shock. Depending on your model you’re going to get a SiDluxe or Float DPS, but with a special damper that’s called ‘Nude’. You can’t use a piggyback shock, but you can’t do that on most XC bikes that don’t come with one anyway.
@@aleksarajkovic3471 This is already your second wrong assumption 😉 Yes, I work on various bikes, on a daily basis actually. And I think the visually appealing, clean wiring is well worth the extra effort. To each his opinion Aleksa.
Lol, this is all a gimmick. An integrated shock has no benefit. Good marketing by Scott to sell the bike. I’d put my Jamis Dakar Pro custom designed bike against this bike any day of the week! The MP2 suspension is arguably the best suspension design ever made! Also greatly depends on how you build the frame up with the best components money can buy like mine.
You knownI dont understand this thing with Scott really. If you have a look at MERIDA they have literally 3 bikes that have won best design awards. Then look at EVIL bikes Forbes named their bikes the best. Scott is nice but they take ideas from other bike companies or buy one and then call it there design. And then the price tag is for people who drive Cars that are not average.
I honestly don't get this comment. Those MERIDA 2022 design awards are for Road-bikes with zero suspension and if i remember correctly the design awards for MTB was 3-4 Years ago. Scott Spark RC comb yellow full carbon for 3'600 Euros/CHF (3800 USD). SCOTT SPARK 970 BIKE ORANGE ALU for 2'500 Euros/CHF (2700 USD). Awesome prices and i already ordered the Scott Spark RC for myself.
I see it as a quiver killer for the not so experienced and middle age non racer that wants a luxury bike. If you really race xc theres lots of lighter faster options. And if trail or downcountry is your thing theres better options as well. All that integration limits a lot your choices.
@@mastersau2 ? Acho que você não entendeu. kkkkk... Me referi as grandes marcas contrair tecnologias de marcas menores, como no caso da Scott contrair tecnologia da Bold.
Flight Attendant is only for the trail and enduro suspension models at the moment. This bike also came out before those were announced. We will likely see it on MY2023 or 2024 sparks with this same frame if they release it for SiD
@@TomMarvin1 yes, probably a bit harsh of me. I do think the model tested is good value. How does it compare with the outgoing model from a UK racing point of view?
🌲 What do you think about Tom's on-bike review? 🚲 Let us know in the comments! 🌅
Saw one in my local shop. Absolutely beautiful machine.
I just got the spark 920. With rougher tiers. 130 mm x34 fork 4 piston brakes.and a dropper post.
They climb fantastic and can be completely lockd and then feeling like road bike on tarmac.
On the decant I can just fly.
The bike is heavier than my previous giant anthem xc. But the ne spark is faster especially on the way down.
Get it is you can find one 😀
Seems like a great bike to many people and to be honest even Scott pricing seems reasonable once you start comparing to other brands. Hopefully reliability is there ) thank you for the review.
Thanks for watching, from all at BikeRadar!
Nice bike and video. They've gotten way too technical plus expensive for this old man. I'm an Indian not the arrow kinda guy. 68 yrs in bikes . Have fun , pedal, often . I do! Every day still at 73.
Me also; same age and in SE Michigan!
@@rlsedition Ann arbor
Very quick to criticise pricing... Yes bikes are more expensive nowadays, but not much when accounted for inflation, certainly not so much as compared to houses 30 yrs ago and I'd argue house design and technology has not progressed in the same way bikes have.....
@@Mosely2007 Clarkston
@@Alex-md6bu It's the old "you want to play, you have to pay" argument. On bicycles, light weight costs money.
Love the new review style! Feels like a good ole TH-camr review than a bike mag one which is refreshing
Thanks for the feedback, we are trying new things and are grateful for all comments good and bad. Cheers from all at BikeRadar!
I purchased this exact bike, I absolutely love it. Your video is very accurate and factually correct. Great job!
This Scott Spark RC 2022 is a work of art, one day who knows... I would like to have one of these.
Hard to hear what Tom is saying
However, I did get the part of the chassis not being stiff. I don’t agree on that. I have a F-Si and an Epic, the Spark feels more effective in pedaling and more stable in cornering. Last part might be due to their width of the wheels.
The new spark not only feels very fun, it’s also damn fast even that it is heavy.
I own a Spark Rc 2022, it is damn fast, even if heavier than other competitors... it's easy to handle, very smooth, and fun...
Interesting about the lateral stiffness. Have they given too much to its down country ability at the expense of racing performance? Not noted many other reviews mentioning the stiffness - is there a noticable difference between the different carbon layups used in the top model & the mid range bikes?
Maybe I'm heavier than others ;-)
I'd not say it's a huge issue, though I do think it's notable. I think both the RC and non-RC could benefit in a small way from a stiffer chassis (though, of course, there are knock ons from that, and you can go too stiff). I tested the Spark 900 Tuned too recently (a DC build) and it was probably more noticeable on that bike.
Overall, I don't think it's a huge problem. Personally, I still a really taught, stiff XC bike that's super aggressive in feel, and I tend to stand up on pedals and mash, rather than employ a smoother pedalling style which suits the Spark. I can see how/why/where Scott are going with this bike though.
It was tested against a range of XC bikes - KTM Scarp Master and Intense Sniper XC (these three went into an MBUK grouptest where the Spark came out on top with 4 stars), but I was also testing a BMC Fourstroke and Giant Anthem at the same time, while also regularly riding a Spesh Epic (XC build) and Revel Ranger (DC build).
The Spark definitely sits at the more comfortable, more composed end of the scale here - still very fast in its own right, but a different feel to the likes of the Epic and KTM especially, which perhaps have a slightly more traditional XC feel when it comes to chassis stiffness and pedalling reactivity (KTM via kinematics, Spesh via the Brain). As I said at the end of the review, it's going to suit riders coming from a trail/enduro background, who're used to a really smooth feeling bike, rather than one that takes loads of brain power to keep under control.
Whether that's better or worse very much comes down to personal preference and potentially courses where it's being raced. Give me the Spark at Nove Mesto for sure, but maybe I'd pick another on a smoother, less technical course with short, punchy climbs.
Apologies for a bit of a brain-fart there, but hopefully it gives a little context!
@@TomMarvin1 Have you taken tire play into account ? 20psi may be acceptable on tires that huge but they still will wobble hard being so wide and tall. How did you come to the conclusion that flex is in the frame - by comparing exact wheels , tires and pressure on different bike ?
@@TomMarvin1 thanks. I have only ever owned hard tails and a Trek STP softtail. Do wonder for most of the riding here in SE England if the Spark is over kill compared to some of the other XC bikes you mentioned and the likes of the Canyon Lux & Trek Supercaliber. Having been racing mainly TT's on the road it's that ballance of either going for a bike like the Spark which might get you out of trouble or something a bit more direct that probably suits my riding style and usual riding terrain locally & for the marathon type events that appeal to me.
@@katarzynaempicka799 I'm guessing linkage is the main factor here. Distance between upper and lower pivot points is about half of current XC bikes (like Spec, KTM, Merida, Cdale etc). So the rear triangle is "squashed" which naturally makes rear end less stiff. It can be overcome but obvious trade off is weight. I'm guessing it is less noticeable for lighter riders.
Hi, great video , what is the size of the frame? Thank you
Thanks! Tom was riding a size large 👍
I wish it was a threaded BB
X2, PF is a major let down
Yep. My unicorn would be full suspension with 2 water bottle mounts, threaded BB and an aluminum frame.
Why?
I have got a scott Rc old design. No problems with their press fit ones as they do them right. 👏
@@DunnoWatsgoinon Sometimes, PF bottom brackets get a creak in them. I also like as much parts commonality as possible between my bikes. That way, if anything weird happens, I have plenty of spares to pull. I do hear that there are a few good solutions to dealing with creaks if they happen, so it's not a deal-breaker. Just something good to keep in mind.
i was thinking its going to be around 8k but its only 3k not bad at all
An ideal XC bike for the new trend towards more technical courses perhaps? My LBS has one of these in their shop window. Looks great. Shame this year's stock are mostly out of stock.
Is this a lifetime warranty like trek?thanks for the answer
thanks for the review
Our pleasure!
Interesting vid...where was the place you were testing Scott?
Looks like Cwmcarn
How costly it is sir?
I don't think that people need this "hidden" design. Those proprietary things usually make the cyclist's life more difficult. Cannondale had/has Lefty, Two-Camber Fox rear shock (I forgot its name), Specialized had/has awkward tapered forks/rear shock strokes. Hidden cables are everywhere, even on road bikes. Entry components on 1000 or even on 2000 €/$ bikes. Cycling industry really needs a salvation.
Looks clean but at what cost....I agree with you it's a pain in the arse
But it keeps mud out when racing and doesn’t get the rear suspension dirty or chipped also if you really do on want to do maintenance it has an opening to get to it
Cleaning alone makes this enclosed design brilliant.
@@ToGoPhilippines-uz1qe Whipping of the stancion? :D It solves that very problem, and creatus bunch of new problems.
Looks neat that.
Thanks for watching! It sure is a neat looking bike!
As long as there's a solid contingent of whiners that spend more time fussing over the esthetics of cable routing rather than riding, marketers will respond in-kind to make the bikes look "prettier". Scott has taken so much heat over the years with cables, that it doesn't surprise me that they acquiesced to hide things. While it's tricky to work on the shock, that's a ton of real estate with carbon around the bottom bracket making this version feel stiffer and faster. The tradeoffs are understandable. But I think the headset routing on the other hand, is there to appease the anti-cable complainers. I wish they left some cable ports so you weren't so locked into the bar setup. But the new trail version feels amazing and fast. I have a previous version RC, but haven't tried this latest RC yet...
Question for anyone familiar with Rockshox - I've ridden this bike about 40 miles - first time using rockhsox (coming from a Fox factory setup). These 120mm RockShox SID Select RL3 forks seem way harsher than my 100mm Fox forks, also the travel is "sticky" for lack of a better word. PSI and rebound is set correctly for my weight. Anyone have some insight or ideas to help with this? Is there a "break-in" period before these actually start to feel good cause these feel awful compared to my fox setup...
I couldn't agree more. I have a 2020 RC with a Rockshox SID Ultimate, and no matter how the fork is adjusted, it's harsh and sticky compared to a full Fox Factory platform front and rear. But I live with replacing creaky Fox CSU's every season on my other bikes. A test ride of this new Spark frame in the 910 trail version is amazing with Fox front and rear.
@@LJ-yt2io I can't imagine dropping more money for a fork/shock replacement :/ I guess I could sell the rockshox and eat the difference in cost... pretty wild that they are this bad though. I've read so many good things about what sram is doing with rockshox, super disappointing. I'm in talks with sram right now about the issue with the stickiness, almost feels like just bad friction against the seals or something.
Is the bottom bracket threaded or pressed?
Pressed 92, have a look at their website.
Needs a dropper. Looks like a regular post on there.
Best looking bike on the market 🔥🔥🔥
I've had nothing but problems with my twin lock. I still can't get it to work. The stock cable snapped in 2 months time and had to be replaced. Still trouble locking out and its very frustrating!!
I also have problems with dampers. The cable housing for the rear shock broke in the bend at the entrance to the steering bearing. Difficult to set up with a little harder damping. It only took about 80 hours of use. The crank bearing also broke and needed to be replaced after about 50 hours, driven only in dry weather.
Scott make great bikes...
Didn't recognise that trail. Which one was it please?
Cafel at Cwmcarn
Beautiful bike
5 years ago, this geo was for a trail bike.
It still is.
Agree. It's not really an XC bike any more
#BikeRadar This is a stunning bike! Have you seen the Bold Lincoln?
Live ride review? Guy Kesteven vibes!
The OG 👊👊
Unfortunately Tom has ruined it for me. It was the most brutal and honest review yet. It's that ability to disengage and not get caught up in marketing that has cleared the fireworks and smoke machine and exposed the real issues that any review should expose or talk about. Thanks for the honesty.
I have one and LOVE ✨✨✨
Why is it so heavy? where does it fail?
Classic
I’d be ripping a hardtail on that single track, without that twisty back end of the spark.
What shoes are those?
Specialized Exos 👌
😮.scott spark 2012❤
There's no school like the old school! 😍
I’d still choose the previous rc900 over this. that design was way way sexier than this design that looks like a trail bike already. the hidden rear shock and the fat downtube makes it look like an e-bike. it would probably be good to make rear shock adjustments on the fly but with this you have to step down from the bike and finger the underside of the bike like a woman’s clit.
Maybe it is for a feelgood factor lol.
Read many reviews of new spark 2022, those not paid by Scott are critical and not so optimistic. Acces to rear dumper is pain in the ass. After all I bougt 2021 version.
29x2.60 tires fit
This new Spark model is more stiff than its predecessor. It
Not a fan of doors in the frame...
🚀🚀👍
That ' TWANG " you mention in tight corners comes either from the low pressure on the tires or from soft shock, never from frame flex. You moroon! 😄
Flex in all those pivots tho, not the carbon structure itself!
@@downallyourstreets , yep, seems there have been some issues there, hope Scott improves on 2023 model
Yup, flex comes from the rear triangle's slight lateral movement. It's even more pronounced when you're running low psi on the rear
@@KotakMeister , this bike was on my short list, not anymore. I have previous model, besides bearing/bushing replacement in regular maintenance never had any issue or flex.
Solving a problem that doesn't exist and adding a special kind of shock so you can't swap or upgrade? Yeah - that's a hard no thanks.
It’s essentially a normal rear shock. Depending on your model you’re going to get a SiDluxe or Float DPS, but with a special damper that’s called ‘Nude’. You can’t use a piggyback shock, but you can’t do that on most XC bikes that don’t come with one anyway.
@@TheUlitamateStunt Nice to know, thanks!
We really don't want that ,,aero style internal routing,, on our mountain bikes, thanks XD
some of us do 😊
@@flurin6278 you don't service bikes yourself then ,lol
@@aleksarajkovic3471 This is already your second wrong assumption 😉 Yes, I work on various bikes, on a daily basis actually. And I think the visually appealing, clean wiring is well worth the extra effort. To each his opinion Aleksa.
@@flurin6278 wow, good for you than, i like my stuff practical, not ,,visually appealing,, XD
Lol, this is all a gimmick. An integrated shock has no benefit. Good marketing by Scott to sell the bike. I’d put my Jamis Dakar Pro custom designed bike against this bike any day of the week! The MP2 suspension is arguably the best suspension design ever made! Also greatly depends on how you build the frame up with the best components money can buy like mine.
Scott is Swiss, not Austrian.
Apologies for the mistake! Thanks for watching, from all at BikeRadar.
American bought by a swiss company*
Orbea oiz tr
You knownI dont understand this thing with Scott really. If you have a look at MERIDA they have literally 3 bikes that have won best design awards. Then look at EVIL bikes Forbes named their bikes the best. Scott is nice but they take ideas from other bike companies or buy one and then call it there design. And then the price tag is for people who drive Cars that are not average.
I honestly don't get this comment.
Those MERIDA 2022 design awards are for Road-bikes with zero suspension and if i remember correctly the design awards for MTB was 3-4 Years ago.
Scott Spark RC comb yellow full carbon for 3'600 Euros/CHF (3800 USD).
SCOTT SPARK 970 BIKE ORANGE ALU for 2'500 Euros/CHF (2700 USD).
Awesome prices and i already ordered the Scott Spark RC for myself.
Scott bikes win races, not design awards.
All you beed is a dropper post…
Cobras comem sapos para potencializar o seu veneno. Scott engolidor de sapos
I see it as a quiver killer for the not so experienced and middle age non racer that wants a luxury bike. If you really race xc theres lots of lighter faster options. And if trail or downcountry is your thing theres better options as well. All that integration limits a lot your choices.
@@mastersau2 ? Acho que você não entendeu. kkkkk... Me referi as grandes marcas contrair tecnologias de marcas menores, como no caso da Scott contrair tecnologia da Bold.
I think: it has no rockshox flight attendant , so not in my Scope
No XC bike has flight attendant, it's too heavy.
Flight Attendant is only for the trail and enduro suspension models at the moment. This bike also came out before those were announced. We will likely see it on MY2023 or 2024 sparks with this same frame if they release it for SiD
Looks like they ruined the best full suspension xc bike ever. Not my cup of tea. Looks nice though.
I think ruined would be unfair - it's morphed a bit, but is still a really good XC bike.
And yeah, looks stunning!
@@TomMarvin1 yes, probably a bit harsh of me. I do think the model tested is good value. How does it compare with the outgoing model from a UK racing point of view?
120mm of travel/30mm rims and 2.4" tires does not equal XC. It's a Trail Bike or the new stupid makes no sense category Down Country.
?? XC literally is cross country :D
What is this comment? A car is not a car, it is a car!
XC is an abbreviation for Cross Country with the X representing Cross and the C abbreviating 'Country
Dumbest comment of the year award right there, and it's only January!
Guessing you meant downcountry, but either way, yes you’re right.